Amsterdam – Netherlands
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, lies along the IJ waterway and is famous for its network of historic canals that form concentric rings around the city center. During the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam became one of the most powerful trading cities in the world.
Merchant ships from across Europe and beyond brought goods into the city’s busy harbor, creating enormous wealth that financed the construction of elegant canal houses and public buildings. The city also became a center of art, science, and culture during this period.
Today the historic canal district of Amsterdam is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the architectural legacy of the city’s prosperous past.
